Brian / Kurt need help ASAP

We discovered an error on our FSC application under department characteristics. I have sent an email through the portal email system about the error but have not received a response yet. I have also used an email I had on file from some previous communication about the program to try to get this changed but have not gotten a satisfactory response.

Is there a procedure to correct an error on a submitted application? Do you have contact information for someone to talk to at DHS to get this fixed? I am concerned about getting kicked out by the computer without anyone recognizing that the answer is obviously wrong.

I am not buying that. This is a minor change that we identified that in no way changes our application other then revising an incorrect input on a form.

These are the rules according to the PG:

A. Automated Grant Application

DHS reserves the right to request additional clarifying information from applicants. However, once an application has been submitted, it cannot be changed.Updates to applications to correct errors discovered after submission or to reflect changes in an organization’s circumstances, regardless of severity, are not accepted. Applicants are automatically notified via email once DHS receives their application. If you do not automatically receive this email acknowledgement of the submittal, log back into your application and resubmit it.

In addition, prior to final submission it gives the same warning; that once submitted no changes can be made.

The unfortunate thing is that the Department Characteristics section is where the bulk of your computer score is derived so not much there you can do.

Like others said, it's in and won't be changed. Peer Review starts next week, so everyone's computer-fates have been sealed.

Also, portal e-mails rarely go answered. I have several pending e-mails from 2007 still unanswered. You'd be best calling your specialist or the help desk, but it's probably not going to get you the answer you want.

The unfortunate thing is that the Department Characteristics section is where the bulk of your computer score is derived so not much there you can do.

Like others said, it's in and won't be changed. Peer Review starts next week, so everyone's computer-fates have been sealed.

Also, portal e-mails rarely go answered. I have several pending e-mails from 2007 still unanswered. You'd be best calling your specialist or the help desk, but it's probably not going to get you the answer you want.

First question under department characteristics about federal fire departments. Not sure if I misread question or it got changed by accident. Answered yes but should have been no. I am afraid that will kill us in computer score.

Did the same thing for my 2008 application.... "Numbers", in the AFG system can't be entered with commas, and I accidently entered a $205,000 budget as $2050000, or $2,005,000. So my budget number in my computer graded was $2 million, plus.... 10x it's actual amount....

I tried to get AFG to change it, but they wouldn't. We just wrote 2008 off as an ahh-sh!+ year, and then to our HUGE surprise, we were awarded anyway! I must have done a really good job explaining my budget numbers in our narative!

First question under department characteristics about federal fire departments. Not sure if I misread question or it got changed by accident. Answered yes but should have been no. I am afraid that will kill us in computer score.

Sometimes if you use Firefox, the selections can mess up.

Either way, that unfortunately will most likely disqualify your application since the Guidance shows them ineligible applicants. Just like DFD said (even his situation was a minor keystroke issue) but not gonna get it changed.

Sly, You mentioned that peer review starts next week, right? Is there any time line as to when people might start getting DJ letters? Do the ones getting knocked out by the computer come before peer review or do they all come after peer review?

The unfortunate thing is that the Department Characteristics section is where the bulk of your computer score is derived so not much there you can do.

Like others said, it's in and won't be changed. Peer Review starts next week, so everyone's computer-fates have been sealed.

Also, portal e-mails rarely go answered. I have several pending e-mails from 2007 still unanswered. You'd be best calling your specialist or the help desk, but it's probably not going to get you the answer you want.

Sly, you mention peer review starting next week, do you know when the DJ letters start coming out? If we are eliminated by the computer, will we know right away or do they start sending them out after peer review?

Sly, You mentioned that peer review starts next week, right? Is there any time line as to when people might start getting DJ letters? Do the ones getting knocked out by the computer come before peer review or do they all come after peer review?

Since the process is following the AFG, the Computer DJ's typically arrive some time after the first 3 rounds of awards have been made. Whether this will be the case remains to be seen, but I suspect due to the review process that's involved DJ notifications probably will not be made until at least October.

I noticed when I was using Mozilla Firefox for a browser some of the drop down tabs were changing. The tab for type of organization which I selected was volunteer. Next time I logged in it changed to paid/career and I could not change it. I logged out and used Internet Explorer instead. I was able to change it and it stayed. Looks like there is some type of bug using Mozilla Firefox. It happened to me with the AFG application earlier this year as well. I'm just glad I checked everything before I sent it.

Did the same thing for my 2008 application.... "Numbers", in the AFG system can't be entered with commas, and I accidently entered a $205,000 budget as $2050000, or $2,005,000. So my budget number in my computer graded was $2 million, plus.... 10x it's actual amount....

I tried to get AFG to change it, but they wouldn't. We just wrote 2008 off as an ahh-sh!+ year, and then to our HUGE surprise, we were awarded anyway! I must have done a really good job explaining my budget numbers in our narative!

Do you have any idea how much better you just made me feel!?!?! I made a 10 dollar mistake on my budget and realized I forgot to change it before I hit that damn submit button. I did send an email notifying of the error and could it be changed. Pinky Sheets from AFG replied with a resounding,,, NO! Application can't be changed once submitted. Was kicking myself for being in such a hurry. I hadn't even really planned on submitting a third application until I saw the dramatic cuts in the AFG for 2010 and thought I'd better get in now.
So thought I was done for with that one, now realize I may have at least a small chance.

We discovered an error on our FSC application under department characteristics. I have sent an email through the portal email system about the error but have not received a response yet. I have also used an email I had on file from some previous communication about the program to try to get this changed but have not gotten a satisfactory response.

Is there a procedure to correct an error on a submitted application? Do you have contact information for someone to talk to at DHS to get this fixed? I am concerned about getting kicked out by the computer without anyone recognizing that the answer is obviously wrong.

I hate to also beat a dead horse here but, you are finsihed for this years grant guy. That one was a major faux paux, sorry.